PromoterView MAMA2016

mama

PromoterView
by Middagh Goodwin
There is a lot of work that goes into promoting a show well. Most local promoters secure the date and venue, book the bands (touring and locals), make the flyer, arrange for sound, often work the door and for the most part for little or no pay or glory. There are often times at the end of the show, that the promoter is out of pocket. So why do they keep on doing it? It is a true labor of love and at the end of the day seeing a good crowd have fun and helping out some hard working bands is payment in itself.

For the last 6 years, the Modesto Area Music Awards has paid tribute to the men and women behind the scene with the Best Live Music Promoter Award. Getting MAMAnated is a big deal in itself and taking home a MAMA is the cherry on the sundae that is a long year of selfless work. Here is a list of this years’ nominees, each one is unique and brings something special to the areas music scene. On October 11th only one winner will be announced at the State Theatre; but because of all these hard working promoters, we are all winners.

A.H. Music Collective-Filling the Void that was left by Off the Air. A.H. promotes the majority of the Indie Rock and Folk Punk shows in the Modesto area. Led by the members of Dandelion Massacre you can catch them nearly monthly at Deva Café or up in Jamestown at the Gypsy Shack and now doing events up in Sacramento.
www.facebook.com/AgingHipsters

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Uncle Lonny Presents. Uncle Lonny specializes in Quality from the Brews, Blues & BBQ to bringing National acts to the State and Gallo Center and most recently opening up the Portal. The Portal is a new music space that Uncle Lonny opened up to be able to bring even greater musical events almost always for a good cause to Modesto.
www.unclelonnypresents.com/

Pierce Promotions. Christy Pierce is a first time #mamanee and is fairly new on the Promoter Circuit. What she lacks in years she makes up in enthusiasm. Teaming up with other promoters and doing events from Merced to Stockton and up to the foothills. Pierce Promotions has had stages at Lucky Fest, The Summoning, and X Fest.

http://www.facebook.com/Fiercepiercepromotions

Modesto Unplugged Music. Aaron Rowan brings some of the finest Folk, Acoustic and Bluegrass acts to Modesto year round. Modesto Unplugged Music is also the M.U.M. in MUMFest and promote that unique festival each year. Quality in performances and execution is what you can expect when you see a M.U.M. event.
www.modestounplugged.com/

FM Concerts Presents is the combined effort of Jill Ferris and Ryan Irons. They are the team that bring some of the best Reggae artist from around the Country to Modesto. Add Alt Rock and EDM to the mix along with production at X Fest, The Summoning, Lucky Fest and you can’t go wrong. You will often see FM Concerts teaming up with other promoters to do bigger and better events than they could even do on their own. Now that is building a music community we can be proud of.
www.fmconcerts.com/

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Beyond the Limits Promotions-Formally Nic Padilla Presents. BTL puts on Heavy Rock, Alternative and Metal shows at various Venues around Modesto and the Greater 209. Most featuring a simi well known touring band or an obscure but good international act. BTL has had stages over the years at X Fest, The Summoning, Lucky Fest and more. Nic also works with other promoters to create bigger and better events than he could do on his own.
www.facebook.com/BeyondTheLimitsPromotions

Ron & Doug Excellent Promotions. Home of the Tribute, Ron & Doug Excellent Promotions bring the production to local events. R&D hosted the Hawk Stage at X Fest which featured Suicidal Tendencies and the Expendables. They may not do as much as some other promoters but what they lack in number of shows they make for in Epicness. Ron & Doug also have the distinction of being last years mama winner.
www.facebook.com/pages/Ron-Dougs-Excellent-Promotions/257251387693519

Central Valley Death Metal or CDVM for short-These guys have been holding it down in the Valley for years doing most of their shows at the Workshop in Ceres. If you like it hard, loud and fast you have most likely made it to a show they have put on. Specializing in Metal and Hardcore shows and often allowing outside promoters the use of their Venue to put on All Ages shows.
www.facebook.com/centralvalleydeathmetal

Get Off the Couch Presents. The only Stockton promoter nominated this year. Get Off the Couch is led by Red Devil Lie front man Ed Bonilla. Putting on mostly Punk (with the occasional Indie or Metal show). G.O.T.C. calls the Whiskey Barrel home. Often the shows proceeds go to a local charity.
www.facebook.com/getoffthecouchpresents

209 Productions. Mike Vanek calls himself the #Godfather of the Modesto Metal Scene, has been putting on Metal shows in the 209 for a decade and a half. Creator of the simi annual Thrashocalype Metal Fest. If you are a local Metal fan or in a local Metal Band you have been to or played a 209 Productions show.
www.facebook.com/pages/209Productions/453466490607

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